Dear Neighbor,
While our team has been busy in Lansing working to support workers and small businesses in the service industry, there’s much happening across our lakeshore district as well. From coffee hours and roundtable discussions to community celebrations — it’s always a pleasure being able to connect with folks and talk about ways we can move Michigan forward.
In this newsletter, I want to provide a quick recap of the work we’re doing on the ground in District 12 and share some exciting news about investments coming to our community.
As always, please feel free to reach out to share your thoughts or seek assistance with any challenges you may be facing with state departments — we are here to serve you. You can reach my office by emailing SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov, calling our Lansing office at (517) 373-7315, or calling our district office at (586) 252-2157.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hertel
State Senator
District 12
- In exciting news, our community is set to receive grants to help students unlock financial aid opportunities, support the performing arts, and set us up to thrive in the green economy.
- From utility payment assistance to household needs, Michigan 211 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use. You can text, email or call for help. Learn more here.
- Join me for my upcoming Coffee and Conversation event tomorrow, February 21 at 11:00 a.m. at our District Office (28800 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores). RSVP here.
Coffee and Conversation at the Pink House
A Saturday morning coffee hour is the perfect way to start the weekend! Thank you to Jennifer and her team for hosting us at the Pink House and thank you to all of the folks who braved the snow to come out and talk about the issues impacting our community. We had productive conversations on a range of issues including the importance of the tipped wage, our work to direct state funds back into our communities, and legislative efforts to help those struggling with substance use disorder.
Highlighting Small Businesses: The Rustic Root in St. Clair Shores
I had a great time visiting the Rustic Root Design Co. in St. Clair Shores on Valentine’s Day! They’re just one of the many incredible small businesses that make our community special. It was a pleasure getting a behind-the-scenes look at one of their busiest days of the year. (It also happened to be the perfect chance to grab some last-minute flowers for my wife.)
Discussing the Tipped Wage with Workers and Small Business Owners
Across our state, small businesses and family-owned restaurants serve as the backbone of our communities. They fuel our economy, create jobs, and bring people together. And here in District 12, these businesses are essential to keeping our economy strong and our community bonded. From Copper Hop and Baffin Brewing Company to Dox Grill, Shores Inn, Strawberry Fields, and Sans Souci, there are so many creative, unique places to grab a drink or share a meal.
As new policies around Michigan’s tipped wage and paid sick leave are set to go into effect this month, I made it a priority to meet with local servers, bartenders, and small business owners to learn more about how these changes would impact them. From roundtable discussions our team has hosted to asking my servers their thoughts as my family goes out to eat — the clear and resounding feedback we’ve heard from workers and small business owners alike is that the tipped wage system here in Michigan is critical to their success.
That’s why I introduced legislation to protect and improve the tipped wage. Last week, this bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support and is now headed to the House for their consideration. Read more about this legislation here.
Touring STARBASE One at Selfridge
STARBASE One at Selfridge has provided unique educational opportunities for thousands of children in our community for over three decades. Unfortunately, due to the Trump Administration’s federal budget cuts, they had to shut their doors.
Recently, I met with the staff, teachers, and parents to discuss ways we can support this asset at the state level so they can continue educating our youngest Michiganders and inspiring them to shoot for the stars.
Standing with Teachers and Fighting to Lower Their Healthcare Costs
I am always proud to stand with Michigan educators and support staff. Recently, I had the opportunity to join over a thousand of them at the Michigan Education Association’s Winter Conference and stand with them as we call on Michigan Speaker Matt Hall to stop playing political games with their livelihoods and send critical legislation to lower health care costs to the governor.
For more information about the necessity of this legislation, click here.
Celebrating the Life of Franky the Tortoise
When I was sworn in to the Senate, I never thought I’d be presenting a tribute in recognition of a tortoise, but Franky was so much more than a simple pet. Here in our community, and through the beloved ‘Franky-Cam,’ he captured hearts and brought smiles to people of all ages. He also served as an ambassador for responsible pet keeping, teaching local kids the importance of compassion and proper care for animals. While Franky is no longer with us, may his memory continue to live on in our hearts and minds.
Connecting with Business Leaders at the Macomb Chamber’s Annual Meeting
I recently had the pleasure of attending the Macomb County Chamber’s annual board induction. It was great getting to connect with so many small business owners from our community and talk with them about the ways we can support them in Lansing.
Celebrating Our Local Career and Technical Education Programs
Schools across District 12 offer outstanding Career and Technical Education programs that equip students with the skills they need for success in high-demand careers. I was honored to celebrate them and their top students at the Macomb CTE Administrators Association Awards Ceremony earlier this month!
Presenting the St. Clair Shores Waterfront Environmental Committee’s Annual Student Scholarship
Recently I had the pleasure of presenting a scholarship to a group of Ardmore Elementary students at the St. Clair Shores Waterfront Environmental Committee’s annual meeting! These young environmentalists submitted a proposal for how they can start a butterfly garden and help clean up Lake St. Clair — I can’t wait to see all they can accomplish.
Enjoying Some Family Fun at the Grosse Pointe Woods Winterfest
It was a blast bringing my family out to the Grosse Pointe Woods Winterfest to enjoy time together. My youngest was especially excited to meet the Detroit Lions’ mascot, Roary!
Lakeview High School Receives Grant to Help Students Unlock Financial Aid Opportunities
Higher education can open doors to great opportunities for Michigan students, and financial aid can help make it more accessible. Throughout my time in the Senate, my colleagues and I have striven to create more pathways for young people to get their degree or a skilled trade certificate, including through the Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Reconnect program.
That’s why I was thrilled to see that the Michigan Dept. of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential awarded Lakeview Public Schools over $282,000 to connect students with the many financial aid options available to them and increase the number of students enrolling in college and career training after high school.
Read more about this grant here, and to find out what financial aid you or your student may be eligible for, you can begin by filling out your FAFSA at StudentAid.gov.
Macomb, Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra Societies to Receive Enhancement Grants
The visual and performing arts are critical to fostering vibrant, thriving communities, and local symphony orchestras play a key role in that mission. They serve to inspire budding musicians, while bringing folks of all ages together in appreciation of music, creativity, and culture. Here in District 12, we’re lucky to have two incredible groups — the Macomb Symphony Orchestra and the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra Society — who add to the rich cultural fabric of our community.
Last fall, I had the pleasure of touring the site of the Schaap Performing Arts Center which is set to serve as the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra Society’s new home once they open later this year.
Recently, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity announced the two organizations are set to receive over $13,000 to enhance sustainability and their reach within the community. You can read more about this grant and the impact it’ll have on our community here.
Harper Woods Business to Receive State Grant, Play a Role in Building Michigan’s Circular Supply Chains
As our state strives to reach a 30% recycling rate by 2029, and as we look to take a leadership role in the green economy, the Michigan Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has awarded grants to 30 projects that advance the reuse, repair, and recovery of materials.
Among the projects was Hendricks Foundation in Harper Woods, who is set to receive over $166,000 to purchase equipment to expand their ability to recycle electronic waste and train students on electronic diagnostic and repair skills. You can read more about this grant here.
Tax Tips: Keep More of Your Tax Return
Tax season is here! If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to get out your tax documents and file with the state and federal government before Tuesday, April 15, 2025. In addition to saving with the retirement tax repeal and the expanded tax credit for working families, here are a few other quick tips to help you maximize your return this year:
- Avoid scams: For federal returns, the IRS will only initiate contact with you through regular mail delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Make sure you do not share your personal tax information via phone, email, or social media. Learn more here.
- Utilize free resources: Michigan Free Tax Help connects Michiganders with free, high-quality income tax preparation assistance. Visit MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org to find local help.
- Take advantage of available deductions: You can deduct charitable contributions, property taxes, medical expenses and more from your federal 2024 taxes. Visit IRS.gov/credits-deductions for a full list.
Utilize Michigan 211 to Get Connected with the Resources You Need
Michigan 211 is a toll-free service that provides residents with information. Specialists trained to assist community members will connect you with the proper resources. From utility payment assistance to household needs, 211 is a great tool for you and your loved ones to use.
Michigan 211 supports about seven regions in the state of Michigan. You can text, email or call for help. For more information, click here.
It is one of my top goals as your State Senator to have myself and my office be as accessible to you as possible. To share your thoughts on legislation or seek assistance with an issue, please join me at one of our upcoming district events:
Coffee and Conversation at the District Office
WHEN: Friday, February 21 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper Ave., Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
Coffee and Conversation at the District Office
WHEN: Friday, March 21 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper Ave., Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
District Office Hours with Staff
WHEN: Every Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and by appointment
WHERE: District Office, 28800 Harper Ave., Saint Clair Shores, MI 48081
If You Need Help
If you have a problem dealing with any department of state government, such as accessing unemployment benefits, my office is available to help resolve it. While we usually cannot assist with local or federal issues, we will always do our best to help direct you to the appropriate person or organization for help.
You may always feel free to email me at SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov. You can also call our Lansing Office at (517) 373-7315 or our District Office at (586) 252-2157.
Keep Up to Date
Our bi-weekly newsletters are full of updates on what Team Hertel has been working on both in Lansing and District 12 to deliver results for Michiganders. To keep up to date with what we’ve been up to — sign up here to receive my bi-weekly newsletter, or access previous editions online here.
For more frequent updates, I also encourage you to follow our team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and BlueSky.